Christopher SugrueAspen,ColoradoI spend my time traveling the world I really LOVE visiting Belize and the Cook Islands in particular. My friends and I ski, surf, speed, shoot, skydive and savor all that life offers. Sometimes the only way to win a war is not to fight. Regarding Che's "restless" nature, his father declared "the first thing to note is that in my son's veins flowed the blood of Irish rebels". Its in our blood....its inevitable! Giles Corey: a personal hero ... NEVER break, NEVER stop fighting, NEVER give up, NEVER lose.

Christopher Sugrue Refco

Wanderlust: Christopher Sugrue's Travels

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Ola! I just came back from another vacation to one of the most amazing places in the planet, Angola. In the second episode of the "Christopher Sugrue in Angola" adventure, I went to both familiar and new places, visiting old friends and meeting new ones. Wherever I went though, there was always something fun and exciting to do.

The Beaches

Because I had such a good time the last time I was there, I came back to the Angolan beaches. Ilha do Cabo, Mussulo, Corimba, Santiago, and Palmeirinhas didn't change much, and it was a welcome familiarity. The Angolan sea, sand, and sunshine were as fantastic as ever.

The Town

In my last trip there, I made friends with a few locals with whom I kept in touch with. When I saw Diego again, it was like I never left town. "Christopher Sugrue, Angola misses you," he said. We met with some old friends as he introduced me to new folks. We spent the night chatting, dining, wining, and dancing to the old-meets-new ambiance of the African locale.

After a couple of days lounging in the familiar places, I visited the parks I wasn't able to go to the last time. Iona National Park may not have been the "animal paradise" it once was, but the marvelous rock formations there were a sight to behold. Cameia National Park led me through the labyrinth of waterfalls, rocks, different climates, and various cultures and colors that is Angola. It was a refreshing reprieve from the mundane hullaballoo of city life.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

My name is Christopher Sugrue. As an advertising creative, I pitch the products of my mind’s musings to corporate bigwigs and serious suits for a living. On the interims between the serial episodes of brainstorming and bluffing that constitute my job description, however, I grab my wetsuit and board, fill my tank up, hit the road that leads straight to my favorite sparkling blue water, and surf.

What beginner surfers need to know is that paddling makes up a huge chunk of the time one is in the water with a board. Paddling is how you propel yourself beyond the breaking waves and onto the lineup to hitch a ride on a wave.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I am Christopher Sugrue, and I am an advertising consultant. I have always been passionate about advertising – I have always known it was something I would want to do for a living. At first, the thought of any brand I handle being able to achieve top-of-mind awareness was the only thing that inspired me at work. Later on, it became this: to ensure that the campaigns I create for my clients tell a bigger, more meaningful message.

I have always believed that advertising can be used as a means to make the public more socially aware. While branding is still a major and inevitable factor in advertising, I applaud the efforts of some companies in churning out advertising campaigns that send a socially-responsible message, while promoting their product at the same time.

I, Christopher Sugrue, am a strong advocate of cause-related advertising. That social responsibility can work hand-in-hand with consumerism is just plain genius. Among my favorite cause-related ads include the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, which encouraged the breaking of beauty stereotypes. It gave rise to the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, which aims to empower 5 million young women through information on positive body image, because, as the ad says, “every girl deserves to feel good about herself and see how beautiful she really is.” I also like how Lee, a traditional male brand, empowered consumers to organize workplace drives for employees to contribute $5 for the right to wear jeans on the first Friday in October, starting in 1996. The fund is being used for breast cancer research and advocacy.

To find out more about my thoughts on advertising for a cause, visit my Facebook page.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Surfing is poetry in motion, a graceful dance to the tune and tempo of the ocean. However, just like any sport, without proper knowledge and preparation, it may lead to disappointment or even injury.

There are people who think that surfing is all highlight reel moments just like how it's often seen on television or movies. This is perhaps the most common mistake committed by newbies. Yes, it would be genuinely satisfying to look cool when riding the waves. But, being safe in the water should be given the same level of priority.

Learn to respect the ocean, the beach, and fellow surfers. The ocean is undeniably a place of pure beauty. But keep in mind that the ocean is governed by unpredictable natural forces. Accidents can be avoided by being prepared and alert.

Never litter on the beach. Everyone, including you, will enjoy surfing on clean shores. And while giving attention to your personal safety, be sure to keep fellow surfers safe, too. Avoid hitting other surfers with your surfboard by attaching a leash.

Lastly, never ever commit the mistake of being impatient. There are just days when certain factors are not on prime condition: waves are just too small to ride, your balance is terrible, etc.

In this sport, perseverance pays off—ten folds. Just keep at it. Practice, practice, practice. And sooner or later, you’ll be having your very own highlight reel moment conquering the tallest of waves.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Hello there. I’m Christopher Sugrue, an advertising consultant and adventure junkie. I’ve just finished organizing an ad campaign for this mom and pop business (anyway, that’s another story), and so I told myself, “Christopher Sugrue, Angola seems like a good place to have a much-needed vacation, why not fly there for an authentic African R and R?” And I tell you, it was probably one of the best vacations I ever had.

I mean, the beaches are just breathtaking. Angola boasts of an Atlantic Coastline stretching over 1, 650 km where the weather is warm all year round. As soon as I stepped into Angolan soil, I went straight to the world-renowned Luanda port. There I went beach-hopping in true Christopher Sugrue style. There was Ilha do Cabo, Mussulo, Corimba, Santiago, and Palmeirinhas. It was paradise. The food was just fantastic—and the people were just wonderful. Smiles wherever you go. The underwater spectacle was nothing short of amazing. Snorkeling there was a real eye opener. If only I had brought an underwater camera, you’ll see just how beautiful the marine life over there is. It was hard to leave the place but then I didn’t want to miss out on the other beaches the Southern African country has to offer.

So, after a few days of adventure in Luanda, I spent the last half of my vacation in Benguela. There I lounged and just relaxed in the beautiful beaches of Baia Azul and Baia Farta. I spent the days just relaxing under the sun and frolicking in the clear blue water. The nights were spent in bars alive with local music and dancing, providing a dynamic and exciting highlight that fused well with the mystery of African nights.